Joint pain and osteoarthritis: Signs and symptoms
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Recognising joint pain and osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition1 that can lead to significant physical2 and psychosocial3 impact for patients.
Here we review the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis to help you identify this disorder.
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Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis most commonly affects the knees, hips and hands.4–7
Osteoarthritis is characterised by:4,7–9
- Activity-related joint pain/stiffness
- Morning joint stiffness or stiffness after activity that normally resolves in 20–30 minutes
- Possible swelling
- Possible crepitus – a crackling, grating or crunching sound that occurs with joint movement
- Impaired function
Knee pain most commonly develops slowly but can also have a sudden onset, and may be aggravated by climbing stairs or rising from a chair.9
Understanding joint pain and osteoarthritis
![Causes icon Causes icon](https://i-cf65.ch-static.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/health-professionals/en_EG/icons/GSK_GEP_magnify_glass_orange-750x421.png?auto=format)
![Management icon Management icon](https://i-cf65.ch-static.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/health-professionals/en_EG/icons/GSK_GEP_management_orange-750x421.png?auto=format)
![Sprains and strains icon Sprains and strains icon](https://i-cf65.ch-static.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/health-professionals/en_EG/icons/sprains-strains_icon_750x421.png?auto=format)
Overview of sprains and strains
Find out about how common sprains and strains are, and meet two patients with these problems.
Learn more
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Voltaren Emulgel 1%
For the symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis of small and medium joints located close to the skin such as the finger joints or knee joints.13
![Panadol Joint Panadol Joint](https://i-cf65.ch-static.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/health-professionals/en_EG/packshots/pain/Pandol-joint-750-421-sh.jpg?auto=format)
Panadol Joint
- Is used in the treatment of joint pain arising from osteoarthritis.14
- Pain relief up to 8 hours.14
![Patient care resources Patient care resources](https://i-cf65.ch-static.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/health-professionals/en_EG/icons/GSK_GEP_patient_care_resources_orange.png?auto=format)
Patient care resources
Access a leaflet for your patients which can help them understand the causes of joint pain and how best to treat it.